Sicilian Status Report

Our first several weeks in Sicily have turned out quite fine. I’ll throw an initial warning out: I may be wandering into Facebook territory here (pics follow, you see), but frankly I just have not found the time–or the urge, what with our transient nature–to jot down even a paragraph of fiction, let alone think seriously about the old WIP.

I’ve spoken before about the importance of place/location in writing, so I feel this waywardness means I won’t get much done until we actually settle into a home of our own.

On the other hand, things go relatively well in finding and renting said home. We discovered a breathtaking villa (read townhouse) in Motta Sant’ Anastasia, a quaint but not exactly sleepy town up the road from the naval base, on Friday. We’ve made an offer and are hoping today will yield some good news.

Slowly, we are learning our way around. In the last few days, we made a number of trips up the coast and explored a variety of locales, expanding our knowledge of the surrounding towns and cities. We are simply caging the gyros, in pilot-speak. Everything we’ve seen excites. The food and drink is good, and in our considered opinion, that it’s only a matter of time before we fall in love with this place.

Without further adieu, what you’ve all been waiting for: the pics!

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First, I should mention that the post header pic above was taken from my very own camera yesterday morning. We were heading out on a just-after-sunrise jaunt and Etna was looking brilliant–so we stopped. I guess I probably don’t have to tell you how this image excited my WSMG heart.

Here, Muffin shows off the latest in toddler moving/hiking attire, with this amazing pack pack (her term) which is not only practical, but made of clear plastic for easy content identification.

The food is pretty good, but I guess I don’t need to tell you that after seeing this photo. Rigatoni rocks. Nuff said.

The place where we’re hoping to live is called Motta Sant’ Anastasia (pictured above). The town, located on the slopes of Mount Etna, is about three miles from base. Living there would be very convenient.

The tower pictured above (the same one in the previous picture) was built by the Normans, so the town is very old. We stopped by to pay a visit, and investigate the neighborhood.

Furnacegirl and Muffin, looking very Italian in their big sunglasses, pose in front of Mount Etna. We also got to go to a nice little town called Taormina.

In case you can’t see it, someone lives out there on that rock. Sweet, say I!

Muffin had the best time hanging out at the overlook. She kept saying: “I wanna go to the beach. I see it! Let’s go!”

Bottom line: we love it so far! Here’s a shot of of the clan enjoying a nice view in Taormina.

Despite our fun, I must be frank and admit that writing is still on the back burner. Quite literally, I’ve gotten nothing done. Despite my own dismal creative progress, I hope this little travelogue finds you well and good and writing up a storm! Tell me how it’s going, at least, so I can find solace in your own good work.

Also, since the subject seems fit, answer this question: where would you take your dream vacation?

My vacation would be anywhere that serves food similar to Funace Girl's meal! Glad you are well and happy…the writing will come back, after the distractions…which means when you get into a routine. You daughter is adorable.

And the foooooood…this is really where the envy kicks in. The wife's dinner looks scrumptious. I love that quaint hilly town where you're trying to rent the villa. *getting greener with more envy*

I've been on a lot of dream vacations (and am actually away on vacation right now…) but I think staying on that little island rock you photographed would do. (looks like a nice writing rock, no?)

Yeah, I haven't got any writing done lately either…but you know what? That's okay. The way I look at it, we're having life experiences right now, which will translate to better writing when we are settled and ready to write again. (which for me will be soon. It's starting to call me again.)

THANK YOU for sharing all the lovely photos. I'm so pleased that you and your little family are having this experience together.

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Hi, and thanks for stopping by.

My name is Jon Paul Goggin. I'm a retired Naval Aviator turned web designer who has always had a passion for writing, especially fiction. I'm a graduate of the University of Texas (Austin) Creative Writing program, having completed a BA in Creative Writing with a minor in Playwriting.
Currently, I juggle running several small businesses, as well as playing dad and husband to my beautiful family. I'm very lucky they chose me. ;) On the writing front, I've had several short stories published in the last year, and 2016 will be my fourth NaNo.
Coffee is my favorite junkfood, and I often wonder if the Hokey Pokey really is what it's all about.